The Ekiti State Government has formed a strategic partnership with OCP Africa Fertilizers Nigeria Limited to assess and map the distribution of soil fertility across the state.
Speaking at a training programme for extension officers held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) office in Ikole-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, announced that the project has been approved by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
He explained that the Governor’s approval reflects the administration’s determination to transform food production, increase agricultural output, and address food insecurity in Nigeria.
According to Mr Boluwade, the partnership will focus on developing sustainable and innovative solutions to enhance productivity for smallholder farmers.
Key interventions will include soil advisory services, improved fertiliser formulations, precision agriculture, and training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Farmers will also benefit from access to high-quality and adequate fertilisers, alongside other vital inputs.
Representing the Commissioner at the event, Mr Bamidele Adegbola, Project Manager of the State ADP, highlighted that the programme is designed to deliver holistic agricultural development across all value chains.
The initiative will provide community-based soil advisory services, GAP training, and farmer-centred projects aimed at increasing yields and ensuring sustainability.
OCP Africa Fertilisers Nigeria Limited’s representative, Mr Omotayo, said Ekiti was chosen for the project due to the state’s farmer-friendly policies, including a 50% fertiliser subsidy for smallholder farmers.
He noted that, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, extension agents would be trained in digital soil mapping using tools such as Guru Maps.
These agents will collect, analyse, and map soil data across 100 communities in the state’s 16 local government areas.
“At the end of the intervention, farmers will experience higher yields as soil-specific fertiliser application and dosage will be precisely determined,” Omotayo stated.
Source: Ministry of Information (EKSG)
